Body of missing swimmer found in Bogue Chitto River near Franklinton

Authorities have found the body of a Picayune, Miss., woman who went missing Sunday in the Bogue Chitto River in Washington Parish during a tubing trip. The body of Melanie Borja, 22, was found Wednesday near in the river near Franklinton, authorities said.

Melanie Borja

Borja was with friends on the river and was last seen after jumping off her inner tube and trying to swim, the Coast Guard said earlier this week. The Coast Guard, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Slidell Police Department and the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office combed over a five-mile stretch of the river using boats and a helicopter in an effort to locate the missing woman.

The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office said Borja's body was recovered around 1:15 p.m. in an area of the river between Enon and Isabel.

The body was turned over to the Washington Parish Coroner's Office for an autopsy. The Sheriff's Office said at this point, "the preliminary cause of death is considered to be accidental drowning.''

"My heart goes out to the parents of this young lady and I extend my heartfelt prayers and sympathy to them,'' Washington Parish Sheriff Randy "Country'' Seal said. "I encourage their community to stand with them during this difficult time. I compliment our fine officers on their hard work during this extremely hot weather. I thank the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the United States Coast Guard and the Slidell Police Department for their assistance."